Viva Mexico! [5/19/07] While on a day trip to Puerto Nuevo, Mexico (south of Rosarito Beach), I snapped this picture of a road sign while passing through Rosarito Beach. Apperetnly, there is a locale in Rosarito Beach called Puente Kontiki (Kontiki Point). I'm assuming it is along the beach somewhere. The "P" is cut off because we're moving along pretty good. Viva Kon Tiki!!!

click images to enlage
Burnt Offerings	Beach Tikis	An evening at Trader Vic's

The Story of the S.S. American Star -

I have had some questions as to the picture in the "flotsom" header on this page. Yes, the ship is real. Acually it is the picture of a ship called the S.S. American Star aka S.S. America. Its story is quite interesting. The more I read about this ship , the more fascinated I was with it.

In brief, the S.S. American Star started its life as the S.S. America, a trans-Atlantic steamer that was the pride of its fleet. The ship even served in WWII and was eventually sold when its usefulness as a passenger ship was used up. Renamed the Australis, she continued on for years. Eventually the ship was left in disrepair and rotting away when she was purchased again in the early 90's and renamed the American Star. She was to be towed to Thailand, where she would become a floating luxury hotel (I am assuming similar to the the Queen Mary today--in Long Beach, CA).

During the tow in 1994, the trip would take her around the dangerous cape of Africa. Off the coast of Fuerteventura in the Canary Island, she was hit by a fierce storm and broke her tow line. Without power she ran aground at Fuerteventura where the pounding waves quickly broker her in half. The stern quickly broke apart and disintegrated into the sea. But the bow remained steadfast near the beach and upright, as if refusing to give in to the sea. It was only until as recently as March of 2007, the bow stood. In March, errosion took its toll and the bow came crshing over in the shallow surf.

The story of the S.S. American Star's life, death and decay are absolutely fascinating. Here are some links where you can read more about the ship and see some great photos. There is even a detailed accound (with pictures) of a brave (or stupid) man who actually boarded the ship in 2005.

Explorer Magazin - The best accounts of the ship's history and death along with account of a dangerous 2005 boarding.

To the right is a satellite picture of the American Star, before the bow fell over in 2007, taken from Google Maps. Google Sightseeing is a great website of interesting satellite photos from Google Maps. You can spend hours looking at this site.

flot-sam [flot-suh m]:
1. the part of the wreckage of a ship and its cargo found floating on the water.
2. material or refuse floating on the water.
3. useless or unimportant items; odds and ends.

Recent Flotsam:

• Some Pix
• The Ship in The Banner